Ohio Amish Country Experiences

May 2012

We may have been a little overly optimistic about the weather here in Northeast Ohio - it has almost been cooler this April than it was in March - yet again, March was extremely unusual!

We have probably been about average for April. But, the cooler temps have helped slow things down. And this is not a bad thing for spring - it has actually made spring last longer than usual!

So, what can we say, spring is a beautiful time of year that goes by almost too quickly to enjoy. And this year we've actually been able to enjoy it longer than we normally can!

Amish and English alike have been busy getting fields ready and crops in early. We've had some frosts but hopefully not too much was damaged from them.

Our rainfall has been low this spring - hoping we are not going to be looking at an unusually hot & dry summer. Some are predicting a drought. Guess we'll just have to wait & see.

Meantime, everything seems to be full speed ahead for another busy and exciting "tourist season" in Ohio Amish Country. So, don't wait & see too long, you'll be missing lots of great opportunities!

It's best to make your plans now! There's still time to get out and experience spring in Ohio Amish Country. And, as always - if you need a little help navigating around Ohio Amish Country, we strongly advise that you get an Ohio Amish Country map.

R.W. Leather
For as many years and as many times as we've been going to Amish Country, we just never have enough time to get around to everything we want to see.

We've driven past some signs and some places many times and have wanted to and even intended to stop - but just haven't quite succeeded.

Alas, we finally get to check one more "intend to stop" off our list, and put it in the "experienced" column. Instead of driving past one more time, we turned down the drive and decided to check it out.

Down a long driveway off CR 114 heading south of Walnut Creek, Ohio is a typically simple, yet clean and neat building that houses R.W. Leather.

As usual, we were on a quest - this time for leather waist belts. Upon entering the shop, we knew we would have success - they had leather belts, leather belts and more leather belts. Not to mention just about every other kind of leather accessory!

After making our picks from the more than adequate choices, we were pleased to find that they will custom cut any belt to size and add as many notches as needed or desired.

You too can check them out at 4515 CR 114, Sugarcreek, OH 44681. Their hours are Mon. - Sat. 9-5. You can leave a voice message to reorder at 330-852-3801.

To be fair, we have also driven past some Amish leather shops in the Geauga County area that are surely just as great - and we intend to stop some time. When we do, maybe we'll feature them as well.

One thing for sure, the quality of craftsmanship you will receive will far surpass and outlast any "foreign junk" you might buy elsewhere!

Amish Benefit Auctions

One thing we've decided to put on our "experience again list" is an Amish Benefit auction. We've attended a few different ones over the years and thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity.

The smells of great food waft through the air along with the iconic drone of a professional auctioneer. If you plan ahead, do some pre-sale price checking and have a good idea of what you want and are willing to pay - you just may be the one hauling away some great bargains on some quality furniture!

These sales are wonderful community social events that bring English and Amish together for good food, good deals and a great cause. It's a nice way to help and be helped.